Woodcliff Lake
Quiet luxury on the Pascack Valley line
By Scott Selleck Licensed NJ/FL Real Estate Agent | 32+ Years in Bergen & Hudson Counties | The Selleck Group / KW City Views Realty
Last updated: June 2026
What Is It Like to Live in Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
Woodcliff Lake is a borough of approximately 6,000 residents known for low-traffic residential streets and scenic reservoirs. With median home values of $680K to $900K, it offers a residential lifestyle in a scenic Bergen County setting.
Woodcliff Lake is one of Bergen County's most longstanding boroughs a community of approximately 6,100 residents that prizes privacy, space, and natural beauty. Located in the Pascack Valley region of northwestern Bergen County, the borough is named for its scenic reservoir and offers a distinctly residential character with large lots, large canopy landscaping, and winding roads.
The Woodcliff Lake School District (PK8) is highly regarded, consistently ranking among the top districts in New Jersey. Students attend Pascack Hills High School for grades 912, which serves the Pascack Valley regional district and offers academics and athletics. The community attracts homebuyers who value local schools and a residential lifestyle.
While Woodcliff Lake has a low-density residential character, it's just minutes from major retail at Tice's Corner Marketplace and nearby Paramus shopping centers. The NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line provides rail access through nearby stations, and the borough's location near the Garden State Parkway and Route 17 keeps it well-connected to the broader region.
Schools Serving Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
Rated A on Niche.com (as of 2025). Students attend Pascack Hills High School a top regional school with academics.
What Do Homes Cost in Woodcliff Lake, NJ in 2026?
Median values $830K$1M+. Spacious estates and colonials on large lots. Premium pricing for privacy and scenic reservoirs.
How Long Is the Commute from Woodcliff Lake to NYC?
NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line via nearby Hillsdale station. Rockland Coaches bus to Port Authority. 4560 min.
Where Are the Best Restaurants in Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
Bareburger
An organic burger restaurant at Chestnut Ridge Road known for locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and creative toppings.
Bacari Grill
A refined American bistro on Ridgewood Road with seasonal dishes, craft cocktails, and a polished atmosphere just minutes from Woodcliff Lake.
Fire & Oak
A contemporary American restaurant in nearby Montvale featuring wood-fired dishes, an extensive whiskey selection, and a warm atmosphere.
Tice's Corner Marketplace
An open-air shopping and dining destination on the historic site of the original Tice Farms, with multiple restaurant options.
Woodcliff Lake's dining options center around nearby Tice's Corner and regional restaurants, with easy access to the wider Pascack Valley food scene.
What Parks and Recreation Does Woodcliff Lake Offer?
Wood Dale County Park
A serene Bergen County park with walking trails, fishing, and picnicking along the Woodcliff Lake reservoir.
Woodcliff Lake Reservoir
A scenic reservoir surrounded by walking paths and green space ideal for morning jogs and weekend strolls.
Pascack Brook County Park
A linear park with trails running along the Pascack Brook, perfect for walking, cycling, and nature observation.
Sunken Grove Park
A community park with athletic fields, playgrounds, and open green space for community recreation.
What Community Events and Festivals Happen in Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
Woodcliff Lake Community Day
An annual street fair and community celebration featuring food vendors, live entertainment, and activities for all ages.
Holiday Tree Lighting
A festive community gathering each December to light the seasonal tree with caroling, cocoa, and seasonal cheer.
Summer Concert Series
Live music performances in local parks during summer months, bringing neighbors together for an evening of entertainment.
Farmers Market
Seasonal market featuring fresh produce and artisanal goods from local Bergen County farms and vendors.
How Do You Get to Manhattan from Woodcliff Lake, NJ?
Woodcliff Lake is served by the NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line, with the nearest station in Hillsdale (just minutes away). Trains run to Secaucus Junction, where you can transfer to NJ Transit service to Penn Station or connect to PATH trains. Total commute time is typically 4560 minutes.
Rockland Coaches bus service provides a more direct route to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, with stops in the Woodcliff Lake area. This is often the preferred option for daily commuters.
By car, the borough is accessible via the Garden State Parkway and Route 17. Driving to Midtown takes 4055 minutes off-peak, with nearby routes connecting to the GW Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel corridors.
Woodcliff Lake — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Woodcliff Lake area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Woodcliff Lake School District serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Dorchester Elementary School — PK5
Middle Schools
- Woodcliff Middle School — 68
High Schools
- Pascack Hills High School (regional) — 912
For enrollment information and district details, visit Woodcliff Lake School District.
Cooperative Programs
- Pascack Valley Regional High School District — Woodcliff Lake students attend Pascack Hills High School as part of this regional district. | More info
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Woodcliff Lake Early Learning — InfantPre-K | Early childhood programs through local providers.
School ratings are sourced from GreatSchools.org as of 2026 and may change. Verify current data directly with the school district or GreatSchools.org.
How Do You Get to NYC from Woodcliff Lake?
Woodcliff Lake is primarily car-dependent with excellent highway access via the Garden State Parkway and Route 17. NJ Transit bus service provides connections to Manhattan.
NJ Transit Bus to Port Authority
Bus routes serve Woodcliff Lake with connections to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Commute times typically 5575 minutes.
Driving via Garden State Parkway
The Garden State Parkway provides efficient north-south access. Driving to Midtown takes approximately 4060 minutes off-peak via Routes 17 and 4.
Nearby Rail Access
Train stations in nearby Park Ridge and Hillsdale (Pascack Valley Line) provide rail options for commuters.
Average Commute
Woodcliff Lake residents average approximately 5570 minutes door-to-door to Midtown Manhattan, primarily by car.
What Are the Schools Like in Woodcliff Lake?
Woodcliff Lake's public schools serving the community, with the Pascack Valley Regional High School District serving upper grades. The district is known for academics.
Woodcliff Lake Public Schools
Elementary schools serving the borough's approximately 6,100 residents with personalized attention.
Pascack Valley Regional High School
Students attend this regional high school serving Woodcliff Lake and Park Ridge, offering academics and athletics.
Nearby Private Schools
Private options including the Saddle River Day School provide additional educational choices.
Woodcliff Lake Public Library
The borough library offers programs for all ages and community resources.
School ratings, when cited, are sourced from GreatSchools.org or Niche.com and are provided for informational purposes only. Verify current ratings directly with the relevant school district or rating source.
Where Are the Best Coffee Shops in Woodcliff Lake?
Woodcliff Lake has local caf�s and is minutes from Park Ridge's walkable Main Street and the Route 17 commercial corridor.
Local Caf�s
Small coffee shops and bakeries serve the community's daily coffee needs in a residential setting.
Park Ridge Main Street (nearby)
Neighboring Park Ridge's walkable Main Street offers additional caf� and dining options.
Is Woodcliff Lake Good for Pet Owners?
Woodcliff Lake is excellent for pet owners with large properties, low-traffic streets, and proximity to nature areas.
Nearby Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary practices in neighboring Park Ridge, Hillsdale, and Paramus provide comprehensive pet care.
Borough Parks
Community parks with green space provide settings for leashed dog walks in a residential setting.
Nature Areas
The borough's wooded areas and nearby nature preserves offer walking trails for active pet owners.
Pet Supply Shopping
Pet supply stores are accessible in nearby Paramus and the Route 17 corridor.
What Hospitals and Medical Services Are Near Woodcliff Lake?
The Valley Hospital in Paramus and Hackensack University Medical Center are both accessible from Woodcliff Lake.
The Valley Hospital (Paramus)
A 450-bed hospital about 10 minutes away, providing emergency and specialty care.
Hackensack University Medical Center
One of New Jersey's largest hospitals, about 10 miles away. A Level I Trauma Center.
Primary Care
Primary care physicians are available in Woodcliff Lake and neighboring communities.
Pharmacies
CVS and Walgreens are accessible in nearby Paramus and the Route 17 corridor.
Where Do Residents Shop for Groceries in Woodcliff Lake?
Woodcliff Lake has local markets and is minutes from major grocery shopping in Paramus and the Route 17 corridor.
Local Markets
Small markets and delis in Woodcliff Lake serve daily grocery needs.
ShopRite (nearby)
Full-service supermarkets in nearby Paramus provide complete grocery selections.
Trader Joe's (Paramus, nearby)
Popular specialty grocery at Paramus Park, about 10 minutes away.
Everyday Errands
Woodcliff Lake's small commercial area provides basic daily needs with larger shopping in neighboring Paramus.
What Parks and Outdoor Spaces Does Woodcliff Lake Offer?
Woodcliff Lake offers borough parks and proximity to nature areas in the Pascack Valley for outdoor recreation.
Borough Parks
Community parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and open green space for community recreation.
Woodcliff Lake Reservoir
The reservoir area provides scenic walking paths and natural green space.
Walking & Biking
Woodcliff Lake's residential, tree-lined streets and natural areas make it excellent for walking and cycling.
Thinking About Woodcliff Lake?
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Sources & Learn More — Woodcliff Lake
- Town of Woodcliff Lake Official Website
- Woodcliff Lake Public Schools NJ Dept. of Education
- NJ Transit Bus Schedules & Route Maps
- NY Waterway Ferry Service
- Hackensack Meridian Health Official Website
- Bergen County Parks & Recreation
- NJ Association of Realtors Market Data
- GreatSchools.org School Ratings & Reviews